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Feb 13 2019

The Gift

People often tell me that I have an amazing gift.

I’m always a little baffled when I hear that. Not to sound self-deprecating, but what does that mean? What do these well-intentioned folk mean by ‘gift’? A special talent? Something that was bestowed upon me by some greater power? Something I was born with?

Or is it something that I cultivated?

I wasn’t born a reflexologist, and neither was I born an inspiring teacher.

I cultivated skills to be able to do what I do.  And, these skills were acquired later in my life.

I didn’t have a clue in my earlier years what I ‘wanted to be when I grew up’. I just kind of followed my nose and did whatever interested me. That road eventually led me to formalized trainings in subjects such as herbology, nutrition, meditation, aromatherapy, personal growth, massage therapy and yes, reflexology.

The one thing I did know at a very early age was that I wasn’t cut out to be a school teacher (boring), bank teller (hate math) or nurse (fainted at the sight of blood). And those were the only job opportunities placed in front of me! That was it!

I knew that I didn’t want a job that just paid me. I wanted to derive meaning from my work and I wanted to look forward to getting up every morning to do that work. I wanted to contribute something of value.

Does this sound like you? Do you yearn for more than just work? Do you want what you do to matter? And to be rewarded monetarily for your time and skill?

Well, you can have that. No matter how young or old you are, how healthy or unhealthy, how confident or not so confident. If you hold a sincere desire to heal yourself and through that process to touch the lives of as many other people as possible to help them improve the quality of their lives, then you can fashion a life for yourself that matters.

I know you can – because I did!

My real passion is to inspire others on their chosen path of self-inquiry. And yes, I realize that path may not be a career as a practicing reflexologist.

Participation in the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification may turn you in another direction. That’s fine with me. And that’s because the mission of the Academy of Ancient Reflexology is to create an environment in which people learn how they can improve first the quality of their own lives – and then others – through the vehicles of reflexology, aromatherapy, service and self-awareness – or – perhaps not.

The 2019 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification starts April 4 in Gainesville, Florida. Join me for a comprehensive course like nothing you have experienced before.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification

Jan 30 2019

The Sky Is NOT The Limit!

I hear lots of people say that 2019 is going to be an amazing year. I know that must feel like a beacon of hope for a lot of people; 2018 was a tough one for many.

But, how do we know that this year will be better? Is it possible to foretell what sort of year is ahead?

Sometimes, I like to look at the astrological events going on that might impact our experiences here on Earth. I don’t claim to understand it all, but I like balancing the mundane earthly events that we give so much credence to with the heavenly influences of the surrounding universe. I like to believe that there is more going on than what I can see; that there are forces greater than my own at work. It gives me a broader perspective.

So, if this interests you at all, here’s what I understand about the year ahead:

* The most beneficial of all the planetary transits in 2019 is Jupiter in Sagittarius. That’s because…

* Professional astrologers call Jupiter ‘the great benefic’; meaning it is the most beneficial planet in our solar system. And because…

* Jupiter’s home is Sagittarius, and when a planet is in its home sign we get the best that planet can offer.

That tells me that there is no better time than this year to turn dreams into reality. The entire Universe is behind me. I know from my past that my dreams – the repetitive thoughts that will not give up residence in my brain – are what steer me to live a life of purpose; give me a reason to get out of bed each morning (even on these cold mornings!). I also know equally well that ignoring my dreams and aspirations is what alienates me from myself, leading to all sorts of unwanted feelings and outcomes.

And I suspect I’m not alone in this.

Jupiter helps us to be more in sync with the opportunities that surround us. And, if you have found it difficult to notice the opportunities that align with your purpose, never fear. Sagittarius is here!

You’ve probably seen images of Sagittarius, the archer. Depicted as half horse, half man, he lives in unity with both his animal and divine natures.

Sagittarius aims far, farther than the stars his arrow points to.

Sagittarius is here to inform us that the sky is not the limit!

Sagittarius reminds us that possibility lies beyond what we can see; that we can achieve anything if the target is aligned with integrity and our life’s purpose. Those feelings of excitement that fire deep within us when we identify a goal are Sag’s way of reminding us that we can do more; that there is a reason for our existence on this planet. I think it is our responsibility to move forward on our dreams – the world needs what each of us is uniquely here to offer.

Stay excited people!

Make 2019 the year that you seek meaning and purpose. It may be for the first time in your life or maybe you’re at a threshold where it’s time to write a new chapter in the book of your life. Whatever – just do it!

The universe rearranges itself to accommodate your picture of reality. It’s the physical law of action and reaction. So, shoot higher than you’ve ever imagined possible.

If it is your dream to help people improve the quality of their lives – as well as your own – take advantage of this opportunity:

Take a short quiz and see if reflexology might just be your path, as it was mine. If you decide not, then keep your eyes open – Jupiter will deliver!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification, Uncategorized · Tagged: Certification

Dec 12 2018

Are Advanced Credentials Worth It?

“No matter how rigorous or extended, your initial training will only see you through the first five years. Then you will be doing one of two things: subsiding into a rut, or chafing at the bit to be able to do more. “ Thomas Myers

When I read Myers’ comments recently, I was reminded of the years following the completion of my initial reflexology training and later massage program. His statements echoed my experience, for sure. I felt like I had a strong foundation in both disciplines, but recognized that I lacked advanced information that would allow me to be more effective in helping people with very specific challenges. And, today when I read posts from fairly recent grads on various Facebook reflexology groups, my thoughts are confirmed. Most have no clue as to how to create a targeted session for the clients arriving with complicated and serious health concerns.

It’s why I’m a big advocate of advanced certifications, and why when I’m looking for a therapist, I look first to their training resume.

A Specialty Certification indicates, to me, the following:

* Expertise in the field; exceeding entry-level requirements

* Demonstration of proven critical thinking skills, deeper knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, indications and contraindications

* A serious commitment to contributing to the health and well-being of others

* An expanded ability to effectively treat those seeking help

I also agree with Til Luchau’s thoughts stated in a recent national bodywork magazine:

“People often pick careers in massage and bodywork because they require so little training. Although that means we start working and earning relatively quickly, it also means we rapidly get to the limits of our knowledge, abilities and earning power. It might also be part of why so many in our profession don’t last more than a couple of years. But it’s also an explanation for why those who do last, thrive and develop satisfying careers are so often voracious learners who see education as something that extends over their entire lives.”

I love being in classes with like-minded people intent on improving themselves and the lives of others. It’s inspiring to me and renews my interest in what I do. (In all honesty, I also love, that I get to be the student for a change; no responsibility!)

The advantages of investing in one’s career through advanced schooling are many. Here are some that come to my mind:

* your business will grow, both through word-of-mouth and professional referrals

* your practice will open up to new and varied clients, stimulating your intellect and calling on you to work outside your routine

* renewed motivation, enthusiasm and passion

* increased confidence

* professional respect

* self-fulfillment

* STAND OUT IN THE CROWD!

If you are thinking of tackling a certification program, there are important questions to ask when shopping around:

* Is the program content adequately described?

* What is the limit on the number of participants? The student/instructor ratio?

* Are learning outcomes stated? What you will be able to do with this additional knowledge?

* Are the number of learning objectives reasonable for the length and cost of the program? (A colleague just told me about seeing an ad for ‘a fully credited reflexology course online for only $19.99′. Buyer beware!)

* What are the instructor’s credentials?

If you are thinking that you would like to add reflexology to your skill set, I would be thrilled if you would take a look at the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. The next program begins in April. Contact me if you don’t find answers to all your questions; I’m happy to chat.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business, Certification · Tagged: Certification, Business

Nov 28 2018

Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification

Learn how to skillfully use reflexology for the purpose of deep relaxation and/or to support people facing health challenges that threaten the quality of their lives.

Embark on a new career focus or embellish an already existing healthcare practice. Learn how to combine reflexology with services you currently offer to produce noticeably longer-lasting benefits for your clients, and consequently a substantial increase in business for you. STAND OUT IN THE CROWD!

Graduates of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification help individuals confront the most challenging aspects of their lives through skilled touch, loving respect and non-judgmental appreciation for the difficulties inherent in charting a path of recovery through the maze of conflicting information and personal beliefs that get in the way of living a healthy and happy life.

The program is taught in five 5-day modules. Attendance at all five modules in the same year is required.

2019 Program Dates:
April 4 through 8, 2019
May 30 through June 3, 2019
July 25 through 29, 2019
September 12 through 16, 2019
October 31 through November 4, 2019

Location: The Body Shop, Gainesville, Florida

Credits: 315 credit hours, including outside assignments.

Included in the cost of the program:

  • 250-page manual
  • Free listing on the Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s directory of certified reflexologists
  • One-year membership with the Reflexology Association of America and Florida Association of Reflexologists (for Florida residents)
  • Placement of research case study in national and international publications
  • Free on-going support during and following graduation.

 Curriculum Focus:

  • Location of reflex points in the hands and feet, and techniques and procedures to effectively palpate these reflexes on oneself and others
  • Physiological systems of the body, and the role reflexology plays in maintaining optimum functioning of these systems
  • Homeostatic imbalances that can occur in the human body and how to design a reflexology session to address those conditions
  • Uncovering your strongest appeal as a reflexologist, and developing successful, ethical marketing strategies to create a unique, viable healthcare business
  • Theories, benefits and research conclusions regarding reflexology

 Activities:

  • Operate professional reflexology clinics, utilizing health history and documentation charts designed for reflexology
  • Develop and implement two community outreach events, one on your own and one with your classmates
  • Prepare a research case study for national and international publication

Investment:$3079
Discounts and payment plans are available.

I keep the class size small so as to insure that I can give everyone lots of attention and supervision, and so that we can co-create an environment of safety and intimacy in which to learn, grow and have fun.

Enrollment is well under way, so ACT NOW to reserve your seat.

A certification program in any subject is a commitment of time and resources. Your choice is best determined by how you think and feel after some self-inquiry and careful research. Answer these questions for yourself. Determine if this program is right for you.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business, Certification, Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Certification, Business, Hand reflexology

Feb 21 2018

Specialization: The Key To Success

With the number of massage therapists in the US approaching 100,000, it is essential that you create a niche for yourself in order for your business to survive.

Responding to the question, “What do you do?” with, “I’m a massage therapist” seldom grabs anyone’s attention, except perhaps the individual who aims to get a free shoulder rub at that party you’re both attending.

I recognized early on as a Florida licensed massage therapist that I had a big advantage over other therapists. I was also a certified reflexologist, so I could not only help people with musculoskeletal (MS) pain but also those dealing with internal imbalances such as digestive issues, thyroid disorders, diabetes, headaches and cancer.

Looking back, the trajectory of my career has been interesting. I started out as a reflexologist in Canada; that was the only hands-on discipline I offered. I quickly built a practice in Toronto but longed to live in a climate that was warmer all year round. That landed me in Florida (rather circuitously, but that’s another story!).

Newly licensed as a Florida massage therapist, and eager to get my hands on as many people as possible, I included reflexology in all of my massage sessions. I quickly learned, from client testimonials, that they got far better results with their MS pain from my work than they had from former massage therapists, and in addition experienced improvement in other internal imbalances. I attributed that to the reflexology, not to any superhuman massage skills on my end.

That dual skillset helped me STAND OUT in the ever-growing crowd of massage therapists in Gainesville (home of the famed Florida School of Massage). Although my work, in the beginning, both in my private clinical practice and with the chiropractor I worked with for four years, initially was focused on MS pain, I found that more and more clients presented with health issues beyond MS ones. I was grateful for the training as a reflexologist that had prepared me to address those imbalances as well. Again, I stood out in the crowd.

When I moved to the coastal city of Saint Augustine in 2003, I took a big leap of faith and introduced myself professionally as a reflexologist, not a massage therapist. I did that for two reasons: First, so that I would STAND OUT from the other licensed massage therapists. I was trained and very experienced by this time in a modality that no one else could claim. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, I wanted to be able to help people with all their physical and emotional health issues, not just musculoskeletal, and to do that with the least wear and tear on my body. Reflexology was the obvious solution.

So, if you’re finding it difficult to make a name for yourself – and ultimately, make a decent living in the touch industry – and/or if you want to work smarter and not harder; STAND OUT, not just fit in; then you owe it to yourself to at least look into becoming a certified reflexologist.

2018 program starts April 12. Please call to discuss if the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Professional Reflexology Certification is a good fit. No obligation. No pressure.

 

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification, Business

Feb 07 2018

What Are You Waiting For?

Are you lusting to start a new business, but afraid you’re ‘too old’ to make a go of it? Well, think again!

Recent reports in an AARP bulletin stated that nearly half of older workers are in jobs they started since turning 50, and forty percent of people working at age 62 changed their careers after turning 55!

That’s affirming for all of us who are compelled to make a big change in our lives.

I can attest to the rewards of making such a leap from personal experience. I was 40 years old when I earned a license in the state of Florida that legally allowed me to forge a clinical practice and teaching career centered solely (pun intended) on reflexology. I’ll turn 69 this year and am still going strong, and loving what I do.

After years of working in the entertainment, arts and hospitality industries, starting over in a totally unrelated field did not mean starting from scratch. Far from it! I brought with me years of hard-earned assets that put me at a tremendous advantage over those with less life experience than I.

Here’s the truth: Most people who are drawn to study reflexology are 45 years of age and older. So, if switching gears and spending your days (or a few hours/week) helping others to feel better utilizing hand and/or foot reflexology protocols is something that interests you, take heed of some of the advantages you bring to the table just by having lived this long!

  1. You have a vast amount of experience that can be adapted to a career in healthcare. In some way or another, your life has included sales, marketing, compassionate listening, interpersonal skills, simple accounting practices, organization – all of that will contribute to your easy slide into success as a reflexologist.
  1. People tend to become more empathetic as the years pile up. I’m not sure why this is; maybe it’s because we’ve survived some hard knocks ourselves and can relate to others in their struggle. No matter what, our heightened compassion and kindness towards others are well-suited to a natural healthcare practice.
  1. You have an extensive network of people in your life – and I can guarantee you that many of these folks – especially the mature ones – will be very excited to know about the new gifts you have to offer. More and more people are looking for non-pharmaceutical ways to treat their imbalances. Reflexology can address not only musculoskeletal pain but digestive distress, respiratory issues, endocrine disorders and immune systems under attack.
  1. Resilience and patience are attributes that come with age. No doubt, you’ve been knocked down a time or two, whether from personal loss or your own health challenges. Your track record of having picked yourself up and put one foot in front of the other will serve you well in reinventing yourself now.
  1. Maybe the stars have finally lined up! Are you an empty nester? Newly single? Got the time to finally pursue what you’ve always wanted to do? Is it finally time for YOU?
  1. Careers started later in life are most often centered on a search for meaning, purpose or creative growth. We want to give back, to serve others in a way that we’ve never touched into before. Your faith in yourself and the purpose your life was given truly can be investigated now.

Contact me if you would like to explore the idea of a career in reflexology. I have helped countless people navigate the thoughts and questions that eventually led to the right decision for them; I’d be honored to do that for you too. No strings attached. 904.553.4067

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification

Jan 24 2018

Can Money Buy Happiness?

For my entire life, I’ve always been told that money can’t buy happiness; and I’ve always just accepted that statement as true.

But the other day, I listened to a TED radio podcast that pointed to the fact that the idea that money can or can’t buy happiness is more complex than it might appear on the surface.

Turns out it’s what we do with money that determines our level of happiness. Not the amount of money we have.

As an example, if I gave you $3000, and you spent that on a blowout week in Las Vegas, you’d likely have a good time during your time there, but it would not contribute to your overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.

On the other hand, if you used that money to help build a safe playground for underprivileged children in your community, or invested the money in an educational or enrichment program that prepared you to help others – now, that’s a different story.

According to Michael Norton, Associate Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, it turns out that the key is to use your money for ‘social spending’; putting your money where it benefits others most. That can be from direct giving (like the playground example above) or from learning a skill that can benefit others in the long run.

So, it’s not that money can’t buy happiness. It’s that we’re not spending money in the right way. Studies show that people who spend money in a way that will benefit others are happier people.

I can count myself as one of those folks. The day I decided to leave the lucrative advertising and entertainment field and become a reflexologist was the day I began to build a foundation of true happiness, not just happy experiences. My happiness grows being able to help improve the lives of others.

If reflexology looks like a good way for you to invest your money and time in order to help others, then I invite you to take a look at the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. 2018 classes start the beginning of April, and class size is limited.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification

Dec 20 2017

Reach For The Sky!

Saturn moves into Capricorn today, and in the astrology world, that is considered the most important transit of the year. Why?

Saturn’s job is to help you to realize great accomplishments, to push you to make a difference in the world, leaving behind something you can be proud of. In a nutshell, Saturn is here to help you fulfill your mission in life; why you were born.

Saturn helps you to become the best version of yourself through maturity and introspection, hard work and determination, and by learning the skills you need to create your mark on history.

Capricorn is associated with the Midheaven, the highest point in the sky at the time when you were born. So, when Saturn enters Capricorn, you have the rare opportunity to see things clearly. Capricorn points to who you aspire to be and what you aspire to do. Capricorn brings forth ambition, action, and self-motivation.

Now is the time to reach for the sky, fulfill the promise of your natal chart. Now is the time to think deeply about what it is you really want to do with your life. With Saturn and Capricorn on your side, expect clarity, patience, and perseverance to guide your path.

Since you are reading this, I am going to imagine that reflexology has played around in your imagination to some degree. So, I’m going to be bold here and say that if your pull has always been to help others, earn a decent living while doing so, and feel proud about what your work, then I respectfully suggest you register for the 2018 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. No one who has ever taken this program has regretted it!

Think seriously about it. With Saturn in Capricorn, it has never been a better time to embrace the next best version of you. Make 2018 the year you actualize your purpose!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification

Mar 08 2017

The Ideal Learning Environment

I’ve been teaching for over 30 years. One thing I have noticed over that time is that many people have a lot of anxiety around learning environments. A lot of adults remember really awful classroom experiences from their childhood, where they were shamed for having a different learning style, endured test anxiety, or were expected to just sit there all day breathing in information and never being given the opportunity to breathe out any questions or opinions or doubts.

Those past experiences, when carried into the present day, can really spoil an amazing opportunity to re-frame the experience of learning. To allay as many fears as I can in advance, I like to provide a blueprint for what people can expect during the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification.

So here is what the Academy instructors strive to create in the classroom:

Our intention is to provide ample time for the study and experience of Reflexology within a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.

We will begin each day preparing ourselves for the work that we do. There are many ways: quiet contemplation to focus attention on what’s important; a body-scan while following the breath; simple body movements relative to the day’s studies; a chance to “check-in” – report anything of significance in our lives that we need to clear before we can be present.

Working from a holistic model of education, we have designed this program to nurture, not control. The Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification is a feast for learning that uses a variety of teaching methods that will grab your interest and guarantee your success in grasping the program’s extensive content. We seek to encompass and integrate multiple layers of meaning and experience, rather than narrowly define human possibilities.

The classroom space will be what is termed both bounded and open – the instructor will guide discussions towards the topic, while at the same time allowing students the space to formulate and share their own ideas. The environment shall be open to the voice of the individual and the collective; shall honor the “little” stories of the individual as well as the “bigger” stories of the world’s disciplines and traditions, and shall respect speech and solitude as essential to the full realization of what the inner teacher is trying to say.

The quality of relationship within the community is held to be sacred, dynamic and authentic, not manipulative or hierarchical. Participants will take responsibility for co-creating the classroom experience along with the instructor. Respect and kindness are assumed. Sacredness, humor, silence, seriousness and fun co-exist smoothly.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification

Feb 15 2017

Are We A Good Match?

When I was in the process of registering for a reflexology workshop recently, I paid attention to the thought process I go through in choosing classes for myself.

I’m very selective when it comes to spending my precious time and money – as I suspect you are, too. In the area of education, I expect my money’s worth; I want to leave the class feeling personally enriched and armed with knowledge and skills I can incorporate immediately into my life. I want to be in the presence of instructors who, not only know their “stuff”, but also know how to “teach”; how to clearly get the information across, and inspire and empower those of us looking to them for guidance.

That led me to think about the conversations that typically occur when people call to inquire about the Academy’s certification training. I realize that in calling you want to get a sense of me as much as you want to know what you can expect from the program. Naturally, you want to know if we’re “on the same page”, and if the material will meet your goals, and if the program format matches your learning style, and if you’ll be shown how to introduce your new skills and knowledge to your community once the training is over.

Click to learn more about the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Professional Reflexology Certification . If you have some questions, please do call. My phone number is 904/553.4067 EST.

I promise to answer your questions honestly and help you to determine if becoming a certified hand and foot reflexologist is the best move for you right now. I will not try to talk you into anything; I am not interested in having people in my program who are not excited and passionate about being there.

Before you pick up the phone, you may want to read a short questionnaire I created to help people determine whether or not the Academy’s program is right for them. The answers to the questions will go a long way towards informing you whether you are in the right place or not.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification, Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Certification, Hand reflexology

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